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Weather Conditions in Minneapolis:
Scattered T-Storms, high of 79º, low of 65º |
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| BLU DOT FOUNDERS EMBARRASS THEMSELVES ON BRAVO’S “MAKE ME A SUPERMODEL” |
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| Episode 11 of “Make Me A Supermodel” saw Branden, Sandhurst, and Jonathan visiting our Soho store and being welcomed by Blu Dot cofounders John and Maurice. This was filmed just prior to our store opening and the challenge for the models was to create a buzz in the neighborhood. Each of them “modeled” in their own furniture settings situated on the streets of Soho. They were all remarkably good sports about it and it was a hoot to watch. You can check it out on You Tube here. |
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| HATS OFF TO MUSEUM PLAGIARIUS |
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In 1977, Professor Rido Busse, presented the first “Plagiarius” award at the annual Ambiente trade fair in Frankfurt. The award has been presented annually ever since to those companies the jury has found guilty of making “the most flagrant” product knock-offs. The award itself is a garden gnome, originally painted black by Professor Busse with a gold nose to signify “the illicit earnings from product imitation.” The Museum Plagiarius, designed by Reinhard Angelis of Planung Architektur Gestaltung, is in Solignen, near Cologne. In the words of the museum: “Admittedly, there is no progress and development without referring to already existing patterns, ideas and rules. However what counts is the willingness to develop the existing and give it an individual and distinctive style. The imitators pursue one goal only: to profit at the expense of the hard work of others – and this affects the creatives and the consumers likewise.” Check out the museum here. |
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| PARTYING AT ICFF |
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As one might expect, the number of exhibitors was down this year at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York, but the spirit was as strong as ever. From the unusual and somewhat questionable – furniture made from quarters welded together, a chandelier made out of black lace panties – to the more sublime, ICFF was an interesting walk. Areaware presented some of the strongest work at the show. We were especially fond of the bottle opener designed by Brendan Ravenhill – we dig its hillbilly nature (available in September). Areaware also showed the new Van Moof bike designed by Sjoerd Smit with sweet detailing like the leather saddle and matte black fenders. We bought two and you should too.
The parties were fun as usual this year. Saturday brought big crowds to Soho with a good number coming by the Blu Dot store for a PBR. Check out Metropolis review of party night here. |
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| CORPORATE CHEERLEADING GONE AWRY |
| Somehow we came across this clip of Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, attempting to get the troops all fired up about something. Given the size of Microsoft, one would assume someone like Ballmer has coaches to help him prepare for public speaking events like this one. Warning….this is cringe-inducing. |
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| BLU DOT FOR URBAN OUTFITTERS |
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We recently designed a six-piece collection for Urban Outfitters that will debut in stores and online this summer. The collection will be marketed under our “too design” label and includes tables, chairs, storage pieces and a convertible sofa. Keep your eyes peeled. |
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| PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: HANG 1 MIRROR |
Admittedly subtle and simple, the Hang 1 wall mirror is a nod to the Shakers who employed pegs on the wall to hang furniture when not in use. This water-jet cut mirror hangs on a simple, solid walnut peg that is mounted to your wall. Available in any size you want as long as it is 24" square. Find a retailer near you and check it out. |
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